Swiss Pro Cruises to Victory at US Pro Hickory
Paolo Quirici of Switzerland successfully defended his title at the fourth annual United States Professional Hickory Golf Championship at historic Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club in Tampa, Florida, this past February. The tournament, a commemorative to the 1925 Florida Open, is played with pre-1930-era equipment and balls. Quirici, the reigning World Hickory Champion, toured the Tom Bendelow layout in one-over-par 74 to grab the $1,500 first prize and the John Shippen Cup, for whom the tournament is dedicated.
The Swiss pro was a model of consistency on the 6,400-yard venue that was considered a brute of a golf course when it opened for play in 1922. He becomes the first two-time winner of the championship. Four players shared second place with scores of 79 – Temple Terrace host pro Jim Garrison, Richard Bullock, Dylan Malafronte, and Adam Varney.
Teresa Zamboni of Port Orange, Florida, edged out defending champion Jennifer Cully to take the Ladies title and Bruce Del Guidice of Weeki Wachee, Florida, was the low amateur.
The USPHGC is open to all golf professionals, male and female, and players compete for the same $5,000 prize fund associated with the original Florida Open won by Leo Diegel. The winner’s name is engraved on the John Shippen Cup, dedicated to America’s first golf professional, which is on permanent display in the Temple Terrace clubhouse. The golf course is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and one of only two in the state. The championship is dedicated to preserving and honoring the history of early golf in America.
